Ark. surgeon general addresses Medicaid expansion

Surgeon General Joe Thompson plans to talk about the proposed expansion during a speech Tuesday at the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service in downtown Little Rock.

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By Associated Press

Stuttgart Daily Leader - Stuttgart, AR

By Associated Press

Posted Nov. 27, 2012 at 11:15 AM
Updated Nov 27, 2012 at 11:18 AM

By Associated Press

Posted Nov. 27, 2012 at 11:15 AM
Updated Nov 27, 2012 at 11:18 AM

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.

Arkansas' surgeon general is discussing the impact that expanding Medicaid's eligibility under the federal health care law would have on the state.

Surgeon General Joe Thompson plans to talk about the proposed expansion during a speech Tuesday at the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service in downtown Little Rock.

Gov. Mike Beebe has said he supports the expansion, which would add about 250,000 people to the state's Medicaid program. Beebe has said the savings projected from the expansion could prevent cuts to nursing home care that the program faces because of a budget shortfall.

Expanding Medicaid will require a three-fourths vote in the House and Senate. Republicans in both chambers have generally opposed the expansion or been reluctant about the proposal.